What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
upswelling
Example
The upswelling of magma caused the volcano to erupt. [upswelling: noun]
Example
She felt an upswelling of anger at the unfair treatment. [upswelling: gerund or present participle]
upwelling
Example
The upwelling of cold water supports the growth of phytoplankton. [upwelling: noun]
Example
The strong winds caused upwelling along the coast, bringing cooler water to the surface. [upwelling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Upwelling is more commonly used than upswelling in scientific and technical contexts related to oceanography, marine biology, and climate science. Upswelling is less common and is more likely to be used in figurative or metaphorical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between upswelling and upwelling?
Both upswelling and upwelling are technical terms and are therefore more formal than everyday language. However, upwelling is more commonly used in scientific literature and is therefore considered more formal than upswelling.
